In the final episode of 2025, Katie and Sheila sit down with a very special guest, Carolann Monopoli – a recently retired critical care nurse practitioner. She reflects on a career spent at the bedside during the most intense and meaningful moments of patient care.From early days as a bedside nurse in critical care to the challenges of advanced practice, Carol shares honest stories about life in the ICU, the emotional highs and lows of caring for the sickest patients, and how the role of the nurse practitioner has evolved over the years. We talk about burnout, resilience, mentorship, and the moments that made it all worth it—along with what retirement really feels like after decades in healthcare.Whether you’re a bedside nurse, NP, PA, student, or someone curious about life behind the scenes in critical care, this conversation offers wisdom, perspective, and a few laughs along the way.